Monitoring device, monitoring method, and monitoring program

Abstract

To reduce burden on users to identify the cause of abnormalities that occur on a production line.SOLUTION: A monitoring device 100 includes a visualization part that visualizes a time chart C3 indicating respective operation conditions of one or more facilities A1 to An. The time chart C3 includes a plurality of symbols P. The monitoring device 100 further includes a tying part that associates, with the target symbol of the plurality of symbols P, identification information for access to chronological data indicating the state of a production line 400 in a period indicated by the target symbol. When the target symbol is specified on the time chart C3, the visualization part visualizes the chronological data accessed based on the identification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a monitoring device, a monitoring method, and a monitoring program for monitoring a production line equipped with one or more pieces of equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to improve the efficiency of a production line having one or more pieces of equipment, it is desirable to be able to visualize the operation status of the production line.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-39672 (Patent Document 1) discloses displaying on a terminal an information screen showing the processing time periods of a plurality of processes for each workpiece in a target lot. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-39672 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, a manager can identify the work and process for which processing is delayed compared to the plan, based on the information screen. However, the manager cannot identify the cause of the delay in processing of the work in question from the information screen. Generally, when an abnormality occurs on a production line, a user (e.g., production staff, on-site workers, manager, etc.) conducts an investigation to identify the cause of the abnormality. This investigation is a burden for the user. It is desirable to reduce the burden on users who conduct such investigations.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the burden on a user to identify the cause of an abnormality that has occurred on a production line. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A monitoring device according to an aspect of the present disclosure monitors a production line including one or more facilities. The monitoring device includes a visualization unit that visualizes a time chart indicating the operating status of each of the one or more facilities. The time chart includes a plurality of symbols. The monitoring device further includes an association unit that associates identification information for accessing time-series data indicating the state of the production line during the period indicated by a target symbol among the plurality of symbols with the target symbol. When a target symbol is specified on the time chart, the visualization unit visualizes the time-series data accessed based on the identification information.

[0008] According to this configuration, the burden on the user of identifying the cause of an abnormality occurring in the production line is reduced.

[0009] In the above disclosure, preferably, the time-series data includes at least one of variable value data collected from a target facility corresponding to a target symbol among the one or more facilities and video data acquired by an imaging device including the production line in the field of view.

[0010] According to this configuration, the user can identify the cause of an abnormality occurring in the production line.

[0011] In the above disclosure, preferably, when the time-series data includes variable value data, the visualization unit outputs the transition of the numerical values indicated by the variable value data. When the time-series data includes video data, the visualization unit outputs the video indicated by the video data.

[0012] According to this configuration, the user can identify the cause of an abnormality occurring in the production line.

[0013] In the above disclosure, preferably, the time-series data includes variable value data collected from a target facility corresponding to a target symbol among one or more facilities, and video data acquired by an imaging device including a production line in its field of view. The visualization unit visualizes the time-series data so that the time axes of the numerical values indicated by the variable value data and the video indicated by the video data are synchronized.

[0014] According to this configuration, the user can identify the cause of an abnormality that occurred on the production line.

[0015] In the above disclosure, preferably, the one or more facilities include a first facility that is automatically operated. The target symbol indicates the automatic operation period of the first facility.

[0016] According to this configuration, the user can know the automatic operation period.

[0017] In the above disclosure, preferably, the one or more facilities include a first facility that is automatically operated. The target symbol indicates the first error period of the first facility. The first error period is the period during which the automatic operation execution signal of the first facility remains on for a time exceeding a first predetermined time predetermined for the first facility while the automatic operation execution signal of the first facility is on.

[0018] According to this configuration, the user can know the facility in which an abnormality has occurred and the first error period of the facility.

[0019] In the above disclosure, preferably, the one or more facilities include a first facility that is automatically operated. The target symbol indicates the second error period of the first facility. The second error period is the period from when the automatic operation execution signal of the first facility turns off until the next automatic operation execution signal of the first facility turns on, when the period from when the automatic operation execution signal of the first facility turns off until the next automatic operation execution signal of the first facility turns on exceeds a second predetermined time predetermined for the first facility.

[0020] According to this configuration, the user can know the equipment in which the abnormality is occurring and the second error period of that equipment.

[0021] In the above disclosure, preferably, the production line includes a plurality of processes, and the target symbol indicates an interval period between one process of the plurality of processes and a process next to the one process.

[0022] According to this configuration, the user can know the interval period.

[0023] In the above disclosure, the visualization unit preferably updates the time chart so that, when an interval period exceeds a third predetermined time period that is set in advance for the interval period, the interval period is highlighted.

[0024] According to this configuration, the user can know the interval during which the abnormality occurs.

[0025] In the above disclosure, preferably, the linking unit selects each of the plurality of symbols as the target symbol.

[0026] According to this configuration, the user can view the time series data for the period indicated by any one of the multiple symbols.

[0027] In the above disclosure, preferably, when a first target symbol and a second target symbol are specified on the time chart, the visualization unit visualizes time series data accessed based on identification information linked to the first target symbol and time series data accessed based on identification information linked to the second target symbol.

[0028] According to this configuration, the user can compare time-series data regarding a period during which an abnormality occurred in a certain facility with a period during which the facility was operating normally.

[0029] A monitoring method according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a method for monitoring a production line including one or more pieces of equipment. The monitoring method includes visualizing a time chart showing an operation status of each of the one or more pieces of equipment. The time chart includes a plurality of symbols. The monitoring method further includes associating a target symbol among the plurality of symbols with identification information for accessing time series data showing a state of the production line in a period indicated by the target symbol, and visualizing the time series data accessed based on the identification information when the target symbol is designated on the time chart.

[0030] This configuration reduces the burden on the user to identify the cause of an abnormality that has occurred on the production line.

[0031] A monitoring program according to another aspect of the present disclosure causes one or more computers to execute the above-described monitoring method.

[0032] This configuration reduces the burden on the user to identify the cause of an abnormality that has occurred on the production line. Effect of the Invention

[0033] According to the present disclosure, the burden on a user to identify the cause of an abnormality that has occurred on a production line is reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a monitoring system to which a monitoring device according to an embodiment is applied. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a monitoring device 100. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the processing of the monitoring system 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a layout C1 of a production line 400. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a planned time chart C2. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of a performance time chart C3 indicating the operation performance of the production line 400 during a certain period. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of a performance time chart C3 indicating the operation performance of the production line 400 during other periods. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for setting variables to be displayed. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing a first example of a browsing screen. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing a second example of a browsing screen. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the procedure of a process for acquiring information indicating the operation status of each facility among the information necessary for creating the performance time chart C3. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing the procedure of the display process of the monitoring screen, the setting screen, and the browsing screen. [Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments and modified examples according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated. Note that the embodiments and modified examples described below may be selectively combined as appropriate.

[0036] [Embodiment] [A. Application Example] With reference to FIG. 1, an overview of a monitoring system to which the monitoring device according to the present embodiment is applied will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a monitoring system to which the monitoring device according to the embodiment is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the monitoring system 1 includes a monitoring device 100, an input device 200, a display device 300, a production line 400, a camera 500, and a time-series data collection system 600. The monitoring system 1 is provided at a production site such as a factory.

[0037] The production line 400 includes one or more processes. Equipment is installed for each process in the production line 400. That is, the production line 400 is equipped with one or more pieces of equipment. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the one or more pieces of equipment include equipment A1 to An (n is 2 or more). However, the number of pieces of equipment is not limited to n and may be one. Hereinafter, the production line 400 equipped with equipment A1 to An will be described. Equipment A1 to An includes equipment that is automatically operated. Equipment A1 to An may further include sensors.

[0038] The camera 500 is an example of an imaging device that includes the production line 400 in its field of view. FIG. 1 shows a monitoring system 1 including two cameras 501 and 502 as an imaging device that includes the production line 400 in its field of view. Note that the monitoring system 1 may include one or more imaging devices that include the production line 400 in their field of view. The video data acquired by the camera 500 is stored in a NAS (Network Attached Storage) 620 according to a predetermined storage rule.

[0039] The time-series data collection system 600 includes a collection device 610, a NAS 620, and repeaters 631 and 632. The collection device 610 repeatedly acquires values of a plurality of variables indicating the state of each of the equipment A1 to An constituting the production line 400. The "values of a plurality of variables" are variable value data output from each of the equipment A1 to An. The variable value data includes at least one of control data of 1 / 0 (ON / OFF) and numerical data such as sensor inputs. The numerical data such as sensor inputs includes, for example, the motor torque value of each piece of equipment. The timing at which the collection device 610 repeatedly acquires the variable value data is not particularly limited. For example, the collection device 610 may acquire the variable value data at a fixed period. The variable value data acquired by the collection device 610 is stored in the NAS 620 according to a predetermined storage rule.

[0040] The variable value data acquired by the collection device 610 and the video data acquired by the camera 500 are stored in the NAS 620 according to a predetermined storage rule and constitute the time-series data described later.

[0041] The repeaters 631 and 632 are, for example, switches. The repeater 631 is responsible for transmitting and receiving data between the collecting device 610 and the facilities A1 to An. The repeater 632 is responsible for transmitting and receiving data between the collecting device 610 and the NAS 620. The repeater 632 is also responsible for transmitting and receiving data between the camera 500 and the NAS 620. The repeater 632 is also responsible for transmitting and receiving data between the collecting device 610 and the monitoring device 100. The repeater 632 is also responsible for transmitting and receiving data between the monitoring device 100 and the NAS 620.

[0042] The time-series data collection system 600 may include a PC (Personal Computer) or a database instead of the NAS 620.

[0043] The monitoring device 100 monitors a production line 400 equipped with facilities A1 to An. The monitoring device 100 creates monitoring screen data showing a monitoring screen G1 and outputs it to the display device 300. The monitoring screen G1 includes a layout C1 of the production line 400, a planned time chart C2 showing the planned operation of the production line 400, and a performance time chart C3 showing the operation performance of the production line 400. The display device 300 displays the monitoring screen G1 based on the monitoring screen data received from the monitoring device 100.

[0044] The performance time chart C3 shows the operating status of each of the facilities A1 to An. The performance time chart C3 is configured so that the user can grasp the facility or process in which an abnormality has occurred and the timing at which the abnormality occurred. An abnormality is, for example, a delay from the plan. In this disclosure, the "user" is a general term for, for example, production staff, on-site workers, and managers.

[0045] Moreover, the performance time chart C3 includes a plurality of symbols P. A target symbol among the plurality of symbols P is associated with identification information for accessing time-series data indicating the state of the production line 400 in the period indicated by the target symbol. The number of symbols selected as the target symbol among the plurality of symbols P may be one or more. The time-series data includes variable value data collected by the collection device 610 from a target facility among the facilities A1 to An corresponding to the target symbol, and video data acquired by a camera 500 having the production line 400 in its field of view. The time-series data is stored in the NAS 620.

[0046] The input device 200 includes a mouse and may further include a keyboard. The input device 200 may include a touch panel instead of the mouse and keyboard. The input device 200 accepts an operation to specify a target symbol on the performance time chart C3. The input device 200 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the accepted operation to the monitoring device 100. The monitoring device 100 accesses the time series data stored in the NAS 620 based on the identification information associated with the specified target symbol. The monitoring device 100 visualizes the time series data. Specifically, the monitoring device 100 creates viewing screen data showing a viewing screen for viewing the time series data, and outputs the data to the display device 300. The viewing screen includes a transition of numerical values ​​indicated by the variable value data included in the time series data, and a video indicated by the video data included in the time series data. The display device 300 displays a viewing screen based on the viewing screen data received from the monitoring device 100.

[0047] Accordingly, when a target symbol on the performance time chart C3 is specified, time-series data accessed based on the identification information associated with the target symbol is visualized and displayed on the display device 300. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the production line 400, the user can view the time-series data for that period by specifying the target symbol indicating the period during which the abnormality occurred. The time-series data includes variable value data collected by the collection device 610 from the target facility corresponding to the target symbol among the facilities A1 to An, and video data acquired by the camera 500 including the production line 400 in its field of view. The time-series data is useful data for identifying the cause of the abnormality that occurred in the production line 400. Therefore, according to the monitoring device 100, the burden on the user for identifying the cause of the abnormality that occurred in the production line 400 is reduced.

[0048] <B. Hardware Configuration of Monitoring Device 100> Referring to FIG. 2, the hardware configuration of the monitoring device 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the monitoring device 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the monitoring device 100 includes, for example, a processor 101, a memory 102, a storage 103, an input interface 104, a display interface 105, and a communication interface 106. The processor 101, the memory 102, the storage 103, the input interface 104, the display interface 105, and the communication interface 106 are connected by a bus 199.

[0049] The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 101 reads out the program 113 stored in the storage 103, expands it in the memory 102, and executes it.

[0050] The memory 102 is composed of a volatile storage device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory).

[0051] The storage 103 is configured with a non-volatile storage device such as, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory.

[0052] The storage 103 stores a program 113. The program 113 includes a plurality of computer-readable instructions for controlling the monitoring device 100. The program 113 includes a monitoring program for visualizing the performance time chart C3. The program 113 also includes a time-series data visualization program for visualizing the time-series data. The processor 101 executes the program 113 to control each unit of the monitoring device 100 and realize various processes according to the present embodiment.

[0053] Program 113 may be provided not as a standalone program but as part of an arbitrary program. In this case, the processing according to this embodiment is realized in cooperation with the arbitrary program. Even if the program does not include some of these modules, this does not deviate from the spirit of monitoring device 100 according to this embodiment. In addition, some or all of the functions provided by program 113 may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0054] The storage 103 further stores monitoring information 114. The monitoring information 114 will be described later.

[0055] The input interface 104 receives, from the input device 200, an operation signal corresponding to an operation accepted by the input device 200. The input interface 104 transmits the operation signal to the processor 101.

[0056] The display interface 105 transmits, to the display device 300, screen data representing a screen to be displayed on the display device 300 in accordance with an instruction from the processor 101.

[0057] The communication interface 106 exchanges data with devices (such as the collection device 610 and the NAS 620) connected to the network via the network.

[0058] <Example of Processing of Monitoring System 1> With reference to FIGS. 3 to 12, an example of the processing of the monitoring system 1 will be described.

[0059] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an overview of the processing of the monitoring system 1. The monitoring system 1 includes a camera 500, facilities A1 to An, a time-series data collection system 600, a monitoring device 100, an input device 200, and a display device 300.

[0060] The camera 500 captures a video of the production line 400. The video data acquired by the camera 500 is stored in the NAS 620 according to a predetermined storage rule.

[0061] The collection device 610 repeatedly acquires values of a plurality of variables (variable value data) indicating the state of each of the facilities A1 to An constituting the production line 400 from each of the facilities. The variable value data acquired by the collection device 610 is stored in the NAS 620 according to a predetermined storage rule. There are the following four predetermined storage rules.

[0062] The first storage rule is to collect and store, in one folder F, the variable value data acquired by the collection device 610 from the facility and the video data acquired by the camera 500 for each automatic operation period of the automatically operated facility. The automatic operation period is the period from when the automatic operation execution signal of the automatically operated facility turns on to when it turns off.

[0063] The second storage rule is to store, for each first error period of an automatically operated facility, the variable value data acquired from the facility by the collection device 610 and the video data acquired by the camera 500 together in one folder F. The first error period is a period during which the automatic operation execution signal of the automatically operated facility remains on for longer than a first predetermined time period that is set in advance for the facility, during which the automatic operation execution signal remains on for longer than the first predetermined time period.

[0064] The third storage rule is to store, for each second error period of an automatically operated piece of equipment, the variable value data acquired from the equipment by the collection device 610 and the video data acquired by the camera 500 together in one folder F. The second error period is the period from when the automatic operation execution signal of the automatically operated piece of equipment turns off to when the next automatic operation execution signal of the equipment turns on, when the period from when the automatic operation execution signal of the automatically operated piece of equipment turns off to when the next automatic operation execution signal of the equipment turns on exceeds a second predetermined time period that is predetermined for the equipment.

[0065] The fourth storage rule is applied when the production line 400 includes a plurality of processes. The fourth storage rule is to collectively store in one folder F, for each interval period between one process among the plurality of processes and the next process of the one process, the variable value data acquired by the collecting device 610 from the equipment used in the next process and the video data acquired by the camera 500. As an example, the interval period is a period from when a first start signal indicating the start of one process among the plurality of processes is turned on to when a second start signal indicating the start of the next process of the one process is turned on. As another example, the interval period is a period from when a first start signal indicating the start of one process among the plurality of processes is turned on to when the workpiece is started to be removed in the next process of the one process. In this disclosure, the "workpiece" means a processing target to be processed in the production line 400, and is a general term for raw materials before processing, intermediate products, and finished products.

[0066] A start signal indicating the start of a process in which an automatically operated equipment is used is an automatic operation execution signal, whereas a start signal indicating the start of a process in which an automatically operated equipment is not used is a signal indicating that a sensor used in the process has detected a detection target.

[0067] As one example, in a process of placing a finished product on a shelf, if a sensor is used to detect that the finished product has been placed on the shelf, the start signal indicating the start of the process is a signal that turns on in response to the sensor detecting that the finished product has been placed on the shelf. As another example, in a process of removing rough materials from a shelf and transporting them to a next process, if a sensor is used to detect that the rough materials have been removed from the shelf, the start signal indicating the start of the process is a signal that turns on in response to the sensor detecting that the rough materials have been removed from the shelf.

[0068] The variable value data and video data stored in each folder F indicate the state of the production line 400. The variable value data and video data stored in each folder F are an example of "time-series data" in the present disclosure. In each folder F, data necessary for displaying the transition of the numerical values ​​indicated by the variable value data in a graph is further stored together with the time-series data. The name of each folder F indicates the period during which the data in the folder F was collected (acquired). As an example, the name of each folder F includes the collection start date and time (acquisition start date and time) and the collection end date and time (acquisition end date and time) of the data in the folder F. Note that each folder F may further store variable value data acquired by the collection device 610 from other equipment of the production line 400 during the same period.

[0069] The monitoring device 100 includes a storage 103, an acquisition unit 151, an identification unit 152, a linking unit 153, and a visualization unit 154. The acquisition unit 151, the identification unit 152, the linking unit 153, and the visualization unit 154 are realized by a processor 101 that executes a program 113. The storage 103 stores monitoring information 114. The monitoring information 114 includes time information 121, error information 122, linking information 123, a first predetermined time 124, a second predetermined time 125, a third predetermined time 126, layout data 127, and operation plan data 128.

[0070] The acquisition unit 151 acquires the start date and time and the end date and time of the automatic operation of the equipment to be automatically operated from the collection device 610. In addition, if the equipment A1 to An includes a sensor, the acquisition unit 151 acquires the date and time of detection by the sensor. The acquisition unit 151 stores the date and time acquired from the collection device 610 as the time information 121 in the storage 103.

[0071] The identifying unit 152 identifies the equipment in which the abnormality occurs and the period during which the abnormality occurs in the equipment, based on the time information 121. Furthermore, the identifying unit 152 identifies the interval period during which the abnormality occurs, based on the time information 121.

[0072] More specifically, the identifying unit 152 judges whether or not a first error has occurred based on the time information 121. The first error is that the automatic operation execution signal of the equipment to be automatically operated is on for a period exceeding a first predetermined time 124 that is predetermined for the equipment. When the first error has occurred, the identifying unit 152 identifies the equipment in which the first error has occurred as equipment in which an abnormality has occurred, and identifies the period during which the automatic operation execution signal is on for a period exceeding the first predetermined time 124 (i.e., the first error period) as the period during which the abnormality has occurred. The first predetermined time 124 corresponding to each equipment is stored in the storage 103 in advance. The first predetermined time 124 corresponding to each equipment may be the same as the takt time of the equipment, or may be longer than the takt time of the equipment.

[0073] Furthermore, the identifying unit 152 judges whether or not a second error has occurred based on the time information 121. The second error occurs when the period from when the automatic operation execution signal of the equipment to be automatically operated turns off until the next automatic operation execution signal of the equipment turns on exceeds a second predetermined time 125 that is predetermined for the equipment. When a second error has occurred, the identifying unit 152 identifies the equipment in which the second error has occurred as equipment in which an abnormality has occurred, and identifies the period from when the automatic operation execution signal turns off until the next automatic operation execution signal turns on (i.e., the second error period) as the period in which the abnormality has occurred. The second predetermined time 125 corresponding to each equipment is stored in the storage 103 in advance.

[0074] Furthermore, the identifying unit 152 determines whether or not a third error has occurred based on the time information 121. The third error occurs when an interval period exceeds a third predetermined time 126 that is predetermined for the interval period. When a third error has occurred, the identifying unit 152 identifies the interval period in which the third error has occurred as a period in which an abnormality has occurred. The third predetermined time 126 that is predetermined for each interval period is stored in advance in the storage 103. The third predetermined time 126 that is predetermined for each interval period may be the same time as the interval period, or may be longer than the interval period.

[0075] The identifying unit 152 stores the identified information as error information 122 in the storage 103 .

[0076] The visualization unit 154 visualizes an actual result time chart C3 showing the operation status of each of the facilities A1 to An. More specifically, the visualization unit 154 creates monitoring screen data showing a monitoring screen G1. The monitoring screen G1 includes a layout C1 of the production line 400, a planned time chart C2 showing the planned operation of the production line 400, and an actual result time chart C3 showing the operation results of the production line 400.

[0077] Layout data 127 indicating a layout C1 of the production line 400 and operation plan data 128 indicating a planned time chart C2 are input in advance by a user and stored in the storage 103. On the other hand, the actual time chart C3 is created by the visualization unit 154 based on the time information 121 and the error information 122.

[0078] Here, a layout C1 of the production line 400, a planned time chart C2, and a result time chart C3 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0079] First, the layout C1 of the production line 400 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the layout C1 of the production line 400.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 4, the layout C1 of the production line 400 includes a layout L1 of the equipment equipped in the production line 400 and movement lines E1 to E16 of the workpieces by people or conveyors. Fig. 4 shows the production line 400 in which process 1-1, process 2, process 3, process 4, process 5, process 6, process 7, process 8, process 1-2, process 2, process 3, process 4, process 5, process 6, process 7, and process 8 are repeated in this order.

[0081] In process 1-1, equipment D1a is used, and in process 1-2, equipment D1b is used. In process 1-1, a workpiece is machined by equipment D1a. In process 1-2, a workpiece is machined by equipment D1b.

[0082] In process 2, equipment D2 is used. In process 2, the workpiece is washed with equipment D2. In process 3, equipment D3 is used. In process 3, the workpiece is inspected for leaks with equipment D3. In process 4, equipment D4 is used. In process 4, the workpiece is processed with equipment D4. In process 5, equipment D5 is used. In process 5, the workpiece is processed with equipment D5. In process 6, equipment D6 is used. In process 6, the workpiece is processed with equipment D6. In process 7, shelf H1 on which the finished product is placed and sensor D7 that detects that the finished product has been placed on shelf H1 are used. In process 7, the finished product is placed on shelf H1. In process 8, shelf H2 on which rough materials are placed and sensor D8 that detects that the rough materials have been removed from shelf H2 are used. In process 8, the rough materials are removed from shelf H2 and transported to the next process.

[0083] The equipment D1a, the equipment D1b, the equipment D2, the equipment D3, the equipment D4, the equipment D5, the equipment D6, the sensor D7, and the sensor D8 are examples of the above-mentioned equipment A1 to An. Also, each of the equipment D1a, the equipment D1b, the equipment D2, the equipment D3, the equipment D4, the equipment D5, and the equipment D6 is an automatically operated equipment and is an example of the "first equipment" in the present disclosure.

[0084] Including the layout C1 on the monitoring screen G1 allows the user to visually understand the movement of people or conveyors, i.e., the movement of workpieces, on the production line 400. The layout data 127 (see FIG. 3) showing the layout C1 is a picture created with a drawing tool or the like, or PDF data of a photograph or the like.

[0085] The production line 400 included in the monitoring system 1 is not limited to the form shown in FIG. 4, but may take various forms.

[0086] Next, the planned time chart C2 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the planned time chart C2.

[0087] 5, the planned time chart C2 shows the operation plan of each piece of equipment in the production line 400 and the movement of people or conveyors. FIG. 5 shows an example of the planned time chart for the production line 400 shown in FIG. 4. On the vertical axis of the planned time chart C2, information indicating one or more processes constituting the production line 400 (e.g., process number and process name) is arranged in the order in which people or conveyors move. Next to the information indicating each process, the takt time of the process is displayed. The horizontal axis of the planned time chart C2 shows the elapsed time from the start of operation of the production line 400. The planned time chart C2 includes an area C21 in which the operation plan of each piece of equipment is displayed.

[0088] Mark J1, mark J2, and mark J3 are displayed in area C21. Mark J1 indicates the time required for loading and unloading a workpiece. Mark J2 indicates the automatic operation time of an automatically operated piece of equipment. Mark J3 indicates the walking time of a person moving between processes, or the transport time of a transport vehicle moving between processes.

[0089] The operation plan data 128 (see FIG. 3) showing the planned time chart C2 is a display screen of an information system, a picture created with a drawing tool, or PDF data of a photograph or the like. Alternatively, a fixed input format for inputting the operation plan of the production line 400 may be prepared. For example, the input format is configured so that information showing each process and the takt time of the process can be input in text. Based on the input takt time, marks J1, J2, and J3 are repeatedly displayed in the area C21.

[0090] Next, the actual result time chart C3 will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the actual result time chart C3 showing the operation results of the production line 400 in a certain period. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the actual result time chart C3 showing the operation results of the production line 400 in another period.

[0091] 6 and 7, the actual time chart C3 shows the operation status of each of one or more pieces of equipment included in the production line 400 from when the production line 400 starts to operate to the present time. An example of an actual time chart for the production line 400 shown in FIG. 4 is shown in FIG. 6. The operation status of each piece of equipment during the period from when the production line 400 starts to operate until 164 seconds have elapsed is shown in FIG. 7. The operation status of each piece of equipment during the period from when about 190 seconds have elapsed from when the production line 400 starts to operate to the present time is shown in FIG.

[0092] The actual result time chart C3 includes an area C32 showing the production plan of the production line 400. More specifically, on the vertical axis of the actual result time chart C3, information (e.g., process number and process name) showing one or more processes constituting the production line 400 is arranged in the order in which a person or a conveyor moves, similar to the planned time chart C2. Next to the information showing each process, the planned takt time of the process (the normal takt time) is displayed, similar to the planned time chart C2. The production plan (the order of one or more processes constituting the production line 400 and the planned takt time of each process) is input in advance to the monitoring device 100 by the user's operation. The area C32 is created by the visualization unit 154 (see FIG. 3) based on the production plan. The horizontal axis of the actual result time chart C3 shows the elapsed time from the start of operation of the production line 400, similar to the planned time chart C2.

[0093] The performance time chart C3 includes an area C31 in which the operation status of each piece of equipment is displayed. The area C31 is created by the visualization unit 154 based on the time information 121 and the error information 122 (see FIG. 3). From the information displayed in the area C31, the user can know the date and time when the abnormality occurred and the time when the production line 400 stopped due to the abnormality. If the operation time of the production line 400 becomes long, the area C31 does not fit on one screen. Therefore, the performance time chart C3 is provided with a scroll bar K1 for scrolling the area C31. In principle, the latest operation status of each piece of equipment up to the present time is displayed in the area C31. The user can scroll the scroll bar K1 or specify a date and time to check the operation status of each piece of equipment going back in time.

[0094] The performance time chart C3 includes a mark R1 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). The mark R1 indicates the time required for the workpiece to be attached or detached. The mark R1 is displayed in an area C31.

[0095] The actual time chart C3 includes a plurality of symbols, including a symbol P1, a symbol P2, a symbol P3, and a symbol P4, which are displayed in an area C31.

[0096] Symbol P1 (see Figs. 6 and 7) indicates the automatic operation period of the automatically operated equipment. For each of process 1-1, process 1-2, process 2, process 3, process 4, process 5, and process 6 in which the automatically operated equipment is used, symbol P1 is displayed in area C31 for each automatic operation period. In the example shown in Figs. 6 and 7, symbol P1 is represented by a dotted arrow. Symbol P1 allows the user to know the automatic operation period.

[0097] The symbol P2 (see FIG. 6) indicates the above-mentioned first error period. The symbol P2 is displayed in the area C31. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the symbol P2 is represented by a thick arrow. In the example shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 7, the first predetermined time 124 (see FIG. 3) of the equipment D2 in the process 2 is set to 36 seconds. As shown in FIG. 6, the third automatic operation period of the equipment D2 (period from 68 seconds to 130 seconds) exceeds 36 seconds, which is the first predetermined time 124. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the symbol P2 is displayed for the period from 104 seconds to 130 seconds in the third automatic operation period of the equipment D2. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the symbol P2 allows the user to know that an abnormality has occurred in the equipment D2 during the period from 104 seconds to 130 seconds. That is, the symbol P2 allows the user to know the equipment in which the abnormality has occurred and the first error period of the equipment.

[0098] The symbol P3 (see FIG. 7) indicates the second error period. The symbol P3 is displayed in the area C31. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the symbol P3 is represented by a thick arrow. In the example shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 7, the second predetermined time 125 (see FIG. 3) of the equipment D1a in the process 1-1 is set to 40 seconds. As shown in FIG. 7, the period from the end of the automatic operation of the equipment D1a in the period from 224 seconds to 284 seconds to the start of the next automatic operation exceeds the second predetermined time 125 of 40 seconds. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the symbol P3 is displayed for the period from the end of the automatic operation of the equipment D1a in the period from 224 seconds to 284 seconds to the start of the next automatic operation (the period from 284 seconds to 350 seconds). In the example shown in FIG. 7, the symbol P3 allows the user to know that an abnormality has occurred in the equipment D1a in the period from 284 seconds to 350 seconds. That is, the symbol P3 allows the user to know the equipment in which the abnormality is occurring and the second error period of that equipment.

[0099] Symbol P4 (see FIG. 6 and FIG. 7) indicates an interval period. Symbol P4 indicating an interval period is displayed in area C31 for each of the period between process 1-1 and process 2, the period between process 2 and process 3, the period between process 3 and process 4, the period between process 4 and process 5, the period between process 5 and process 6, the period between process 6 and process 7, the period between process 7 and process 8, the period between process 8 and process 1-2, the period between process 1-2 and process 2, and the period between process 8 and process 1-1. In the example shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the interval period is the period from when a first start signal indicating the start of one of the multiple processes is turned on to when the workpiece is started to be removed in the process next to the one process. In the example shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, symbol P4 is expressed by a thin line. Symbol P4 allows the user to know the interval period. The interval period can be said to be the walking time of a person moving between processes, or the transport time of a transport vehicle moving between processes.

[0100] Among the symbols, the symbols P2 and P3 indicate a period in which a delay occurred with respect to the plan, that is, a period in which an abnormality occurred. Therefore, it is preferable that the visualization unit 154 (see FIG. 3) visualizes the actual performance time chart C3 so that the symbols P2 and P3 are displayed more emphasized than the symbols P1 and P4. That is, it is preferable that the symbols P2 and P3 are displayed more emphasized than the symbols P1 and P4. In the example shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the symbol P1 is represented by a dotted arrow, the symbol P4 is represented by a thin line, and the symbols P2 and P3 are represented by a thick arrow. Note that the display manner of the symbols P1, P2, P3, and P4 is not limited to the manner shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. As another example, the symbols P1, P2, P3, and P4 may be displayed in different colors from each other. As another example, the symbols P2 and P3 may be displayed in a highlighted manner.

[0101] Further, when the interval period exceeds a third predetermined time 126 (see FIG. 3) that is predetermined for the interval period, the visualization unit 154 updates the performance time chart C3 so that the interval period is highlighted. In the example shown in FIG. 6, when the interval period exceeds the third predetermined time 126 that is predetermined for the interval period, a mark Q1 is displayed near a symbol P4 indicating the interval period. The mark Q1 is displayed in the area C31.

[0102] In the examples shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the third predetermined time 126 (see FIG. 3) that is predetermined for the interval period between step 1-2 and step 2 is 4 seconds. As shown in FIG. 6, the second interval period (the period from 96 seconds to 130 seconds) between step 1-2 and step 2 exceeds the 4 seconds which is the third predetermined time 126. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, a mark Q1 is displayed near the symbol P4 indicating the second interval period between step 1-2 and step 2. With the mark Q1, the user can know the interval period in which an abnormality has occurred.

[0103] Note that the mark Q1 is an example of a display form for highlighting the interval period when the interval period exceeds the third predetermined time 126 that is predetermined for the interval period. As another example, when the interval period exceeds the third predetermined time 126 that is predetermined for the interval period, instead of the mark Q1, the symbol P4 indicating the interval period may be highlighted. As another example, when the interval period exceeds the third predetermined time 126 that is predetermined for the interval period, instead of the mark Q1, the color of the symbol P4 indicating the interval period may be displayed in a color different from the symbol P4 indicating other interval periods.

[0104] The plurality of symbols may include at least one of the symbols P1, P2, P3, and P4. The visualization unit 154 may not highlight an interval period even if the interval period exceeds a third predetermined time 126 that is predetermined for the interval period.

[0105] 3 again, the linking unit 153 links a target symbol among the multiple symbols with identification information for accessing time-series data indicating the state of the production line 400 in the period indicated by the target symbol. Linking identification information to a symbol means storing, in the storage 103, linking information 123 in which the symbol and the identification information are associated with each other. As described above, the time-series data is stored in the NAS 620 in separate folders according to a predetermined storage rule. Therefore, the identification information is path information for accessing a folder in which time-series data indicating the state of the target equipment corresponding to the target symbol in the period indicated by the target symbol is stored. The linking unit 153 selects each of the multiple symbols as a target symbol and links each symbol with identification information.

[0106] 6 again, when symbol P1 is selected as the target symbol, the linking unit 153 links identification information for accessing time-series data indicating the state of the equipment corresponding to symbol P1 during the automatic operation period indicated by symbol P1. As an example, the linking unit 153 links symbol P1 indicating the automatic operation period from zero seconds to 60 seconds of equipment D1a in process 1-1 with identification information for accessing time-series data indicating the state of equipment D1a during the period from zero seconds to 60 seconds.

[0107] When symbol P2 is selected as the target symbol, the linking unit 153 links identification information for accessing time-series data indicating the state of equipment corresponding to symbol P2 in the first error period indicated by symbol P2. As an example, the linking unit 153 links symbol P2 indicating the first error period from 104 seconds to 130 seconds of equipment D2 in process 2 with identification information for accessing time-series data indicating the state of equipment D2 in the period from 104 seconds to 130 seconds.

[0108] 7 again, when the symbol P3 is selected as the target symbol, the linking unit 153 links the symbol P3 with identification information for accessing the time-series data indicating the state of the equipment corresponding to the symbol P3 in the second error period indicated by the symbol P3. As an example, the linking unit 153 links the symbol P3 indicating the second error period from 284 seconds to 350 seconds of the equipment D1a in the process 1-1 with identification information for accessing the time-series data indicating the state of the equipment D1a in the period from 284 seconds to 350 seconds.

[0109] 6 again, when symbol P4 is selected as the target symbol, the linking unit 153 links identification information for accessing time-series data indicating the state of the equipment corresponding to symbol P4 during the interval period indicated by symbol P4. As an example, the linking unit 153 links symbol P4 indicating the interval period from zero seconds to two seconds between process 1-1 and process 2 with identification information for accessing time-series data indicating the state of the equipment used in process 2 during the period from zero seconds to two seconds.

[0110] 3 again, when a target symbol is designated on the performance time chart C3, the visualization unit 154 visualizes the time series data accessed based on the identification information associated with the target symbol. The visualization unit 154 outputs the transition of the numerical value indicated by the variable value data in the time series data accessed based on the identification information. The visualization unit 154 also outputs the moving image indicated by the moving image data in the time series data accessed based on the identification information. The visualization unit 154 visualizes the time series data such that the time axis of the numerical value indicated by the variable value data and the moving image indicated by the moving image data are synchronized.

[0111] More specifically, when a target symbol is specified on the actual time chart C3, the visualization unit 154 first outputs setting screen data indicating a setting screen for setting variables to be displayed among the variable value data collected from the target equipment corresponding to the target symbol to the display device 300. The display device 300 displays the setting screen based on the setting screen data. Here, the setting screen will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0112] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for setting variables to be displayed. The setting screen G2 is an example of a setting screen for setting variables to be displayed among the variable value data collected from the target equipment corresponding to the target symbol specified on the performance time chart C3. The setting screen G2 is displayed on the display device 300. The setting screen G2 includes an area M1 and an area M2. In the area M1, all variables included in the variable value data collected from the target equipment corresponding to the target symbol specified on the performance time chart C3 are displayed. The user selects variables to be displayed from the variables displayed in the area M1. The variables selected by the user are displayed in the area M2. FIG. 8 shows an example in which eight variables are selected. The visualization unit 154 accepts the variables to be displayed in the area M2 as variables to be displayed.

[0113] 3 again, after accepting the variables to be displayed, visualization unit 154 creates viewing screen data showing a viewing screen for viewing the time-series data, and outputs it to display device 300. Display device 300 displays the viewing screen based on the viewing screen data. Here, the viewing screen will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0114] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a first example of a viewing screen. The viewing screen G3 is an example of a viewing screen displayed when one target symbol is specified on the performance time chart C3. The viewing screen G3 is displayed on the display device 300. The viewing screen G3 includes an area N1 and an area N2. The area N1 displays the transition of the value of the variable selected on the setting screen G2 among the variable value data included in the time series data accessed based on the identification information linked to the target symbol specified on the performance time chart C3. The area N2 displays a video indicated by the video data included in the time series data accessed based on the identification information linked to the target symbol specified on the performance time chart C3. The viewing screen G3 displays the numerical value indicated by the variable value data and the video indicated by the video data in a state where the time axes are synchronized. The viewing screen G3 also includes an operation unit N3 for playing the video displayed in the area N2.

[0115] 6 is specified, the viewing screen G3 displays the transition of numerical values ​​indicated by the variable value data acquired from the equipment D2 during the period indicated by the symbol P2 (the period from 104 seconds to 130 seconds) and a video indicated by the video data acquired by the camera 500 during the period. From the transition of numerical values ​​and the video, the user can know that, for example, the equipment D2 was stopped and restarted during the period indicated by the symbol P2. In other words, the user can identify the cause of the delay in the production line 400 during the period indicated by the symbol P2 as the stoppage of the equipment D2.

[0116] As another example, when the symbol P3 shown in FIG. 7 is specified, the transition of the numerical values ​​indicated by the variable value data acquired from the equipment D1a during the period indicated by the symbol P3 (the period from 284 seconds to 350 seconds) and the video indicated by the video data acquired by the camera 500 during the period are displayed on the viewing screen G3. From the transition of the numerical values ​​and the video, the user can know that, for example, a changeover of the equipment D1a was performed during the period indicated by the symbol P3, and that the changeover took time. That is, the user can identify the cause of the delay in the production line 400 during the period indicated by the symbol P3 as the changeover of the equipment D1a. Note that the user may also know from the transition of the numerical values ​​and the video that a material was out of stock. In that case, the user may identify the cause of the delay in the production line 400 during the period indicated by the symbol P3 as the lack of material. Also, the user may also know from the transition of the numerical values ​​and the video that a worker was absent. In that case, the user may identify the cause of the delay in the production line 400 during the period indicated by the symbol P3 as the absence of a worker.

[0117] As another example, when the symbol P4 indicating the interval period highlighted by the mark Q1 shown in Fig. 6 is designated, the transition of the numerical values ​​indicated by the variable value data acquired from the equipment D2 during the period indicated by the symbol P4 (the period from 96 seconds to 130 seconds) and the video indicated by the video data acquired by the camera 500 during the period are displayed on the viewing screen G3. From the transition of the numerical values ​​and the video, the user can know that, for example, the equipment D2 was stopped and restarted during the period indicated by the symbol P4. That is, the user can identify the cause of the delay in the production line 400 during the period indicated by the symbol P4 as the stoppage of the equipment D2.

[0118] 3 again, when a first target symbol and a second target symbol are specified on the performance time chart C3, the visualization unit 154 visualizes the time series data accessed based on the identification information linked to the first target symbol and the time series data accessed based on the identification information linked to the second target symbol. Note that when two target symbols (the first target symbol and the second target symbol) are specified on the performance time chart C3, the setting screen G2 is displayed on the display device 300, and the variables to be displayed are selected. Thereafter, a viewing screen for viewing the time series data is displayed on the display device 300. Here, referring to FIG. 10, the viewing screen displayed on the display device 300 when two target symbols are specified will be described.

[0119] 10 is a diagram showing a second example of the viewing screen. The viewing screen G4 is an example of a viewing screen displayed when two target symbols are specified on the performance time chart C3. The viewing screen G4 is displayed on the display device 300. One of the purposes of configuring the performance time chart C3 so that two target symbols can be specified is to make it possible, when an abnormality occurs in a certain piece of equipment, to compare time series data for a period during which the abnormality occurred in the equipment with a period during which the equipment was operating normally.

[0120] The viewing screen G4 includes an area N11. The area N11 displays the following two types of numerical value transitions. One is a transition of the value of a variable selected on the setting screen G2 among the variable value data included in the time series data accessed based on the identification information linked to the symbol of the first target specified on the performance time chart C3. The other is a transition of the value of a variable selected on the setting screen G2 among the variable value data included in the time series data accessed based on the identification information linked to the symbol of the second target specified on the performance time chart C3. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the transition of the numerical value indicated by the variable value data corresponding to the symbol of the first target is displayed by a dotted line, and the transition of the numerical value indicated by the variable value data corresponding to the symbol of the second target is displayed by a solid line.

[0121] The variable value data corresponding to the first target symbol and the variable value data corresponding to the second target symbol have different collection periods. Therefore, the viewing screen G4 includes an operation unit N15 for aligning the time axes of the variable value data corresponding to the first target symbol and the variable value data corresponding to the second target symbol. In Fig. 10, the variable value data corresponding to the first target symbol and the variable value data corresponding to the second target symbol are displayed with their time axes aligned.

[0122] Moreover, the viewing screen G4 includes an area N12, an operation unit N14, and an operation unit N13. A moving image specified by the operation unit N14 is displayed in the area N12. The operation unit N14 accepts an operation for specifying a moving image to be displayed in the area N12 from the following two types of moving images. One is a moving image indicated by moving image data included in time-series data accessed based on identification information linked to a first target symbol specified on the performance time chart C3. The other is a moving image indicated by moving image data included in time-series data accessed based on identification information linked to a second target symbol specified on the performance time chart C3. The operation unit N13 accepts an operation for playing the moving image displayed in the area N12.

[0123] 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a process for acquiring information indicating the operating status of each piece of equipment, which is among the information required for creating the performance time chart C3. The process shown in FIG. 11 is repeated while the production line 400 is operating.

[0124] First, in step S1, the processor 101 acquires time information 121 and stores it in the storage 103. More specifically, the processor 101 acquires the start date and time and the end date and time of the automatic operation of the equipment to be automatically operated from the collection device 610. Furthermore, if the equipment A1 to An includes a sensor, the processor 101 acquires the date and time of detection by the sensor. The processor 101 stores the date and time acquired from the collection device 610 in the storage 103 as the time information 121.

[0125] Next, in step S2, the processor 101 identifies error information 122 based on the time information 121, and stores it in the storage 103. More specifically, the processor 101 identifies the equipment in which an abnormality has occurred and the period during which the abnormality has occurred in the equipment, based on the time information 121. The processor 101 also identifies the interval period during which the abnormality has occurred, based on the time information 121. The processor 101 stores the identified information in the storage 103 as error information 122. After step S2, the process returns to step S1.

[0126] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the display process of the monitoring screen, the setting screen, and the viewing screen.

[0127] First, in step S11, the processor 101 determines whether or not an instruction to display the monitoring screen G1 has been received. The instruction to display the monitoring screen G1 is input from the input device 200. If an instruction to display the monitoring screen G1 has been received (YES in step S11), the processor 101 transitions to step S12. On the other hand, if an instruction to display the monitoring screen G1 has not been received (NO in step S11), the processor 101 repeats step S11.

[0128] Next, in step S12, the processor 101 creates monitoring screen data showing a monitoring screen G1. This creates screen data for the monitoring screen G1 including a layout C1 of the production line 400, a planned time chart C2 showing the planned operation of the production line 400, and an actual time chart C3 showing the operation results of the production line 400. The actual time chart C3 includes a plurality of symbols.

[0129] Next, in step S13, the processor 101 associates a target symbol among the multiple symbols included in the performance time chart C3 with identification information for accessing time-series data indicating the state of the production line 400 during the period indicated by the target symbol. The processor 101 selects each of the multiple symbols as a target symbol and associates the identification information with each symbol.

[0130] Next, in step S14, the processor 101 outputs the monitoring screen data to the display device 300. As a result, the monitoring screen G1 is displayed on the display device 300, and the actual performance time chart C3 is visualized.

[0131] Next, in step S15, processor 101 determines whether or not the target symbol has been designated. If the target symbol has been designated (YES in step S15), processor 101 transitions the process to step S16. On the other hand, if the target symbol has not been designated (NO in step S15), processor 101 transitions the process to step S19.

[0132] In step S16, the processor 101 outputs setting screen data showing a setting screen G2 for setting variables to be displayed among the variable value data collected from the target equipment corresponding to the specified target symbol, to the display device 300. As a result, the setting screen G2 is displayed on the display device 300.

[0133] Next, in step S17, processor 101 determines whether or not a variable to be displayed has been designated. If a variable to be displayed has been designated (YES in step S17), processor 101 shifts the process to step S18. On the other hand, if a variable to be displayed has not been designated (NO in step S17), processor 101 repeats step S17.

[0134] In step S18, processor 101 creates viewing screen data showing viewing screen G3 for viewing the time series data, and outputs it to display device 300. As a result, viewing screen G3 is displayed on display device 300, and the time series data is visualized. When two target symbols are designated, processor 101 creates viewing screen data showing viewing screen G4, and outputs it to display device 300.

[0135] In step S19, the processor 101 determines whether or not an instruction to end the monitoring screen G1 has been received. If an instruction to end the monitoring screen G1 has been received (YES in step S19), the processor 101 transitions the process to step S20. On the other hand, if an instruction to end the monitoring screen G1 has not been received (NO in step S19), the processor 101 returns the process to step S15.

[0136] In step S20, the processor 101 outputs an instruction to end the display of the monitoring screen G1 to the display device 300. After step S20, the processing shown in Fig. 12 ends.

[0137] In this manner, the monitoring device 100 in this embodiment visualizes a performance time chart C3 showing the operation status of each of one or more pieces of equipment (for example, pieces of equipment A1 to An). The performance time chart C3 includes a plurality of symbols. The monitoring device 100 associates a target symbol among the plurality of symbols with identification information for accessing time series data showing the state of the production line 400 during the period indicated by the target symbol. When a target symbol is designated on the performance time chart C3, the monitoring device 100 visualizes the time series data accessed based on the identification information.

[0138] As a result, when a target symbol on the performance time chart C3 is specified, the time series data accessed based on the identification information associated with the target symbol is visualized and displayed on the display device 300. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the production line 400, the user can view the time series data for the period during which the abnormality occurred by specifying the target symbol indicating the period during which the abnormality occurred. The time series data includes variable value data collected by the collection device 610 from the target equipment corresponding to the target symbol and video data acquired by the camera 500 including the production line 400 in its field of view. The time series data is useful data for identifying the cause of the abnormality that occurred in the production line 400. Therefore, according to the monitoring device 100, the burden on the user to identify the cause of the abnormality that occurred in the production line 400 is reduced.

[0139] Furthermore, from the performance time chart C3, the user can know the date and time when the abnormality occurred and the time when the production line 400 was stopped due to the abnormality.

[0140] The time-series data may include at least one of variable value data collected from a target facility corresponding to a target symbol among one or more facilities and video data acquired by a camera 500 including the production line 400 in its field of view. When the time-series data includes variable value data, the visualization unit 154 outputs the transition of numerical values ​​indicated by the variable value data as the visualization of the time-series data. When the time-series data includes video data, the visualization unit 154 outputs a video indicated by the video data as the visualization of the time-series data.

[0141] Alternatively, the linking unit 153 may select one or more specific symbols from among the plurality of symbols as target symbols and link the identification information to each specific symbol. As an example, the linking unit 153 may link the identification information only to the symbols P2 and P3 indicating the error period.

[0142] Furthermore, the symbol (or the time series data) may be associated with a serial number indicating an individual product. From the performance time chart C3, the user can know the processing time of each piece of equipment for each operation cycle of each process. Furthermore, from the time series data, the user can know the motor torque of each piece of equipment for each operation cycle of each process. Therefore, the monitoring device 100 allows the user to know whether or not an individual product has been manufactured in a correct processing process. Generally, in a production site, data management of process traceability indicating whether or not an individual product has been manufactured in a correct processing process is required. In response to this, the monitoring device 100 enables data management of process traceability indicating whether or not an individual product has been manufactured in a correct processing process.

[0143] [Note] The above-described embodiment and modified examples include the following technical ideas.

[0144] [Configuration 1] A monitoring device (100) for monitoring a production line (400) having one or more pieces of equipment (A1 to An), A visualization unit (154) that visualizes a time chart (C3) showing the operation status of each of the one or more pieces of equipment (A1 to An), The time chart (C3) includes a plurality of symbols (P), the monitoring device (100) further includes a linking unit (153) that links a target symbol (P1, P2, P3, P4) among the plurality of symbols (P) with identification information for accessing time-series data indicating a state of the production line (400) during a period indicated by the target symbol (P1, P2, P3, P4); The visualization unit (154) visualizes the time series data accessed based on the identification information when the target symbol (P1, P2, P3, P4) is specified on the time chart (C3), thereby forming a monitoring device.

[0145] [Configuration 2] The monitoring device according to configuration 1, wherein the time series data includes at least one of variable value data collected from a target facility among the one or more facilities (A1 to An) corresponding to the target symbol (P1, P2, P3, P4) and video data acquired by an imaging device (500) that has the production line (400) in its field of view.

[0146] [Configuration 3] When the time-series data includes the variable value data, the visualization unit (154) outputs a transition of a numerical value indicated by the variable value data, 3. The monitoring device according to configuration 2, wherein, when the time-series data includes the video data, the visualization unit (154) outputs a video represented by the video data.

[0147] [Configuration 4] the time-series data includes variable value data collected from a target facility corresponding to the target symbol (P1, P2, P3, P4) among the one or more facilities (A1 to An), and video data acquired by an imaging device (500) that includes the production line (400) in its field of view; 2. The monitoring device according to configuration 1, wherein the visualization unit (154) visualizes the time series data so that a time axis of a numerical value indicated by the variable value data and a time axis of a video indicated by the video data are synchronized.

[0148] [Configuration 5] The one or more facilities (A1 to An) include a first facility (D1a, D1b, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6) that is automatically operated, 5. The monitoring device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the target symbol (P1) indicates an automatic operation period of the first equipment (D1a, D1b, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6).

[0149] [Configuration 6] The one or more facilities (A1 to An) include a first facility (D1a, D1b, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6) that is automatically operated, The symbol (P2) of the object indicates the first error period of the first equipment (D1a, D1b, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6), The first error period is a period during which the automatic operation execution signal of the first equipment (D1a, D1b, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6) is on for a time exceeding a first predetermined time (124) predetermined for the first equipment (D1a, D1b, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6) during the execution of the automatic operation of the first equipment (D1a, D1b, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6), and the monitoring device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4.

[0150] [Configuration 7] The one or more pieces of equipment (A1 to An) include the first equipment (D1a, D1b, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6) that is automatically operated, The symbol (P3) of the object indicates the second error period of the first equipment (D1a, D1b, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6), The second error period is a period from when the automatic operation execution signal of the first equipment (D1a, D1b, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6) turns off to when the next automatic operation execution signal of the first equipment (D1a, D1b, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6) turns on, and when this period exceeds a second predetermined time (125) predetermined for the first equipment (D1a, D1b, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6), it is the period from when the automatic operation execution signal turns off to when the next automatic operation execution signal turns on, and the monitoring device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4.

[0151] [Configuration 8] The production line (400) includes a plurality of processes, The symbol (P4) of the object indicates an interval period between one process among the plurality of processes and the next process of the one process, and the monitoring device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4.

[0152] [Configuration 9] The monitoring device according to configuration 8, wherein the visualization unit (154) updates the time chart (C3) so that the interval period is highlighted when the interval period exceeds a third predetermined time (126) that is predetermined for the interval period.

[0153] [Configuration 10] 5. The monitoring device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the linking unit (153) selects each of the plurality of symbols (P) as the target symbol (P1, P2, P3, P4).

[0154] [Configuration 11] The monitoring device of configuration 10, wherein the visualization unit (154) visualizes, when a first target symbol and a second target symbol are specified on the time chart (C3), the time series data accessed based on the identification information linked to the first target symbol and the time series data accessed based on the identification information linked to the second target symbol.

[0155] [Configuration 12] A monitoring method for monitoring a production line (400) having one or more pieces of equipment (A1 to An), comprising: Visualizing a time chart (C3) showing the operation status of each of the one or more pieces of equipment (A1 to An), The time chart (C3) includes a plurality of symbols (P), The monitoring method includes: Associating identification information with a target symbol (P1, P2, P3, P4) among the plurality of symbols (P) to access time-series data indicating a state of the production line (400) during a period indicated by the target symbol (P1, P2, P3, P4); The monitoring method further comprises visualizing the time series data accessed based on the identification information when the target symbol (P1, P2, P3, P4) is specified on the time chart (C3).

[0156] [Configuration 13] A monitoring program that causes one or more computers to execute the monitoring method according to configuration 12.

[0157] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 1 monitoring system, 100 monitoring device, 101 processor, 102 memory, 103 storage, 104 input interface, 105 display interface, 106 communication interface, 113 program, 114 monitoring information, 121 time information, 122 error information, 123 linking information, 124 first predetermined time, 125 second predetermined time, 126 third predetermined time, 127 layout data, 128 operation plan data, 151 acquisition unit, 152 identification unit, 153 linking unit, 154 visualization unit, 199 bus, 200 input device, 300 display device, 400 production line, 500, 501, 502 camera, 600 time series data collection system, 610 collection device, 631, 632 repeater, A1 to An equipment, C1, L1 layout, C2 planned time chart, C3 Actual time chart, C21,C31,C32,M1,M2,N1,N2,N11,N12 areas, D1a,D1b,D2,D3,D4,D5,D6 equipment, D7,D8 sensors, E1~E16 flow lines, F folder, G1 monitoring screen, G2 setting screen, G3,G4 viewing screen, H1,H2 shelves, J1,J2,J3,Q1,R1 marks, K1 scroll bar, N3,N13,N14,N15 operation unit, P,P1,P2,P3,P4 symbols.

Claims

1. A monitoring device for monitoring a production line including one or more pieces of equipment, A visualization unit that visualizes a time chart showing an operation status of each of the one or more pieces of equipment, the time chart includes a plurality of symbols; the monitoring device further includes a linking unit that links, to a target symbol among the plurality of symbols, identification information for accessing time-series data indicating a state of the production line during a period indicated by the target symbol; The visualization unit visualizes the time series data accessed based on the identification information when the target symbol is specified on the time chart.

2. 2. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the time series data includes at least one of variable value data collected from a target facility among the one or more facilities that corresponds to the target symbol, and video data acquired by an imaging device that has the production line in its field of view.

3. When the time-series data includes the variable value data, the visualization unit outputs a transition of a numerical value indicated by the variable value data; The monitoring device according to claim 2 , wherein, when the time-series data includes the video data, the visualization unit outputs a video represented by the video data.

4. the time-series data includes variable value data collected from a target facility corresponding to the target symbol among the one or more facilities, and video data acquired by an imaging device that includes the production line in its field of view; The monitoring device according to claim 1 , wherein the visualization unit visualizes the time-series data so that a time axis of a numerical value indicated by the variable value data and a time axis of a video indicated by the video data are synchronized.

5. The one or more facilities include a first facility that is automatically operated; The monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the target symbol indicates an automatic operation period of the first equipment.

6. The one or more facilities include a first facility that is automatically operated; the target symbol indicates a first error period of the first equipment; The monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first error period is a period during which an automatic operation execution signal of the first equipment is on for longer than a first predetermined time that is predetermined for the first equipment.

7. The one or more facilities include a first facility that is automatically operated; the target symbol indicates a second error period of the first equipment; The monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second error period is a period from when the automatic operation in progress signal of the first equipment turns off to when the next automatic operation in progress signal of the first equipment turns on, when the period from when the automatic operation in progress signal of the first equipment turns off to when the next automatic operation in progress signal of the first equipment turns on exceeds a second predetermined time that is predetermined for the first equipment.

8. The production line includes a plurality of steps, 5. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the target symbol indicates an interval period between one step of the plurality of steps and a step subsequent to the one step.

9. The monitoring device according to claim 8 , wherein the visualization unit updates the time chart so that the interval is highlighted when the interval exceeds a third predetermined time that is set in advance for the interval.

10. The monitoring device according to claim 1 , wherein the linking unit selects each of the plurality of symbols as the target symbol.

11. 11. The monitoring device according to claim 10, wherein, when a first target symbol and a second target symbol are specified on the time chart, the visualization unit visualizes the time series data accessed based on the identification information linked to the first target symbol and the time series data accessed based on the identification information linked to the second target symbol.

12. 1. A method for monitoring a production line including one or more pieces of equipment, comprising: visualizing a time chart showing an operation status of each of the one or more pieces of equipment; the time chart includes a plurality of symbols; The monitoring method includes: Associating a target symbol among the plurality of symbols with identification information for accessing time-series data indicating a state of the production line during a period indicated by the target symbol; The monitoring method further comprises visualizing the time series data accessed based on the identification information when the target symbol is specified on the time chart.

13. A monitoring program that causes one or more computers to execute the monitoring method according to claim 12.

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